PAGCOR STRENGTHENS REGULATIONS VS. ILLEGAL OFFSHORE GAMING ACTIVITIES

As part of the inter-agency effort to curb all illegal offshore gaming activities within the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) joined the newly created Clark Security Advisory Council.

During the press conference for the launching of the new Council on June 9, 2023,  PAGCOR Assistant Vice President for Offshore Gaming Licensing Atty. Jessa Fernandez  announced that that it will impose stricter sanctions to all erring licensed offshore gaming operators and accredited service providers.

As part of these sanctions, Atty. Fernandez mentioned that those who will be found allowing other entities to use the licenses or accreditation given to them, will be subjected to a hefty penalty including the cancellation of their licenses or accreditation.

Meanwhile, Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President and Chief Executive Officer Agnes Devanadera stated that the CDC Board approved the recommendation of the CDC management to halt processing of new lease or sub-lease applications by offshore gaming operators.

“The CDC will no longer process or approve the operation of any incoming overseas gaming, even if they already have license from PAGCOR,” she stated.

At present, PAGCOR has four remaining accredited service providers and one licensed offshore gaming operator inside the Clark Freeport Zone.

Prior to the launch of the creation of the Clark Security Council, PAGCOR has cancelled the provisional accreditation of Sun Valley Clark as an offshore gaming hub within the Clark Freeport Zone for its failure to ensure a lawful and orderly conduct of offshore gaming by its occupants in its registered sites.

PAGCOR likewise cancelled the accreditation of CGC Technologies, an offshore gaming service provider based in Pampanga after the company was embroiled in various allegations including credit card fraud, serious illegal detention, and human trafficking activities.